Texans expect Pollard to add punch in start at safety

Texans call on Pollard to startKubiak, Gibbs see safety adding punch to secondary

By John McClain |
October 2, 2009

In 2007, Bernard Pollard (49) was a safety with the Chiefs trying to make a play on future teammate Andre Johnson.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Ahman Green and the Texans were able to see first-hand what safety Bernard Pollard (49) could do when he played for the Chiefs.

Ten days after signing with the Texans, strong safety Bernard Pollard will be in the starting lineup against the Oakland Raiders, a team he knows well.

Pollard spent his first three seasons at Kansas City, the last two as a starter, and played against the Raiders twice a season. Perhaps his familiarity with the Raiders and running backs Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas will enable Pollard to help a defense that ranks 32nd in the NFL, including last in rushing.

“They're a three-headed monster,” Pollard said after practice Thursday, “and they all run downhill. McFadden has great speed. Fargas might be more of a downhill runner. Bush is shifty. I don't care if he's the biggest, he's still shifty.

“We have to tackle and take the running game away. If they throw it, we have to take it away. If we take the ball, our offense is going to put points on the road.”

Pollard, 24, entered the NFL as Kansas City's second-round pick from Purdue. At 6-1, 224, he's the biggest safety on the Texans' roster.

Revolving door

During his three years with the Chiefs, his secondary coach was David Gibbs, who is in his first season coaching Texans defensive backs.

“He's a big guy who brings a physical presence,” Gibbs said. “I wish it had worked out better for the other guys who had chances but didn't play as well as they're capable of playing.

“Bernard's going to get his chance. The pressure's on him to perform, too, or we'll go right back to somebody else. The bottom line is that we're not playing well enough on the back end, and, hopefully, Bernard will help us out.”

Pollard plays around the line of scrimmage. In 2007, his first season as a starter, he had 90 tackles, including 74 unassisted. Last season, he was in on 98 tackles, 78 solo.

“He's a physical player, and we're struggling against the run,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “He brings a presence to the box, and we hope he'll do a little bit better filling some of those gaps.

“It's a risky move with the amount of time we've had him, but David's coached him, and we need to see if he can help us.”

When Pollard was waived by the Chiefs in their final roster reduction, fans and media in Kansas City were surprised. So was Pollard.

“New management, man,” he said. “I wish the Chiefs nothing but the best, but I think it's a better situation here, a better team. I love what's going on here.

“I'm an intense player. I love the contact. That's the nature of the beast right there, and I want to do that with this team. I understand what I have to do. I want to help this team in whatever way I can.”

Eased transition

Playing for Gibbs in Kansas City has helped Pollard's transition into the lineup.

“I know how he is, and I know what he expects,” Pollard said about Gibbs. “He wants to get the best out of his players.

“He's a great coach. He's a feisty little joker. He demands nothing but the best. He's going to give you all he has. I respect everything he's about. I don't want you to tell him this, but I really respect him.”

Why keep that respect a secret?

“His head's already big; I don't want it to get any bigger,” Pollard said, laughing. “He and his father (Alex Gibbs) are just alike. His father might be a little feistier. They're two feisty jokers.

“The playbook is pretty much like we had in Kansas City, so I know the bulk of it. I feel like I can help my teammates.”